InfernoMOO takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, similar to Fallout. You can be a gunslinger, a scientist, a horribly mutated monstrosity that is shunned by the remnants of society, or some combination of the above, and more! There's no class or level system, so you're free to build your character how you want by mixing and matching skills, stats, mutations, and equipment.
Inferno is a text-based multiplayer online roleplaying game (sometimes referred to as a MUD; see
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MUD ). It's played by typing commands like 'go north' (which can be shortened to 'n'), 'kill dog', 'take <item on ground>', 'wield sword', and so on and so forth. As archaic as this sounds, it's an incredibly good implementation of the concept.
Roleplaying isn't expected or encouraged, though you're free to screw around and pretend to be whatever, if you want. People might play along!
The game is fully open to PVP, although there are "safe" areas which have police protecting them. This creates an atmosphere of tension, never knowing if someone's going to come along and kill you to take your stuff (although most players are nice to newbies!), which makes having friends much more important.
If someone does kill you, or you just die stupidly to something else, don't feel bad; death isn't a big deal! You can reclone for a small fee with little to no loss of progress. You will, however, have to go get your stuff back, or replace it. Lucky for you, most equipment you'll be using early on is fairly easy to replace.
Note that this game is VERY adult-oriented. There is a rather graphic sex/rape system (which no one actually uses unironically, for the most part), and the combat is as beautifully gory as text can get.
How to playThere are a few ways to get started playing.
One is to use the Flash client at
http://inferno.optiquest.org/FMud/FMud.htmlThe other is to download and install a client like MUSHClient (
http://www.gammon.com.au/mushclient/ ) and enter the following connection info:
Address: inferno.optiquest.org
Port: 7777
Once you've connected, either through the Flash client or your own, you'll want to type "request <name> for <email address>". Don't worry about someone getting your email; it's not public. Check your email, then reconnect and use the password in the email you receive to connect with "connect <name> <password>".
Once you're logged in, you can chat on newbienet with "newb <your message here>" and those of us who are logged in can help you from there.
You may also consider reading the newbie guide at
http://inferno.optiquest.org/mediawiki/index.php/Getting_Started_Guide.
This
is the same codebase as HellMOO, but with saner and more active admins who are making strides in fixing some of Hell's weirder and less functional aspects, as well as adding new endgame content. This iteration is
much less grindy, and you can, at any time, reroll and keep all non-"effective" xp, which is to say all experience earned through quests, jobs, travels, journals, and kills.